101 Paint And Body Tips

Because we know it can be hard to find enough good information buried in a short four-page tech story, we decided to cut through the flowery descriptions and long-winded explanations and compile this list of 101 paint and body tips. Some of the tips are common sense items that are easily overlooked while the rest are there to help you with all things paint and body. We compiled all this information from technical stories, hands-on experience, and the advice of professionals across the country.

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1. Performing an internet picture search will give you the fastest results when it comes to finding ideas. It might be hard to find any specific details about materials and techniques used, but it’s a great place to start.

2. If you are not computer savvy, then rummage through your old car show pictures. Trends recycle over time and it’s easier to envision your ride with scallops if you have a picture that represents that style.

3. Go to a Super Chevy Show. This will be the best place to find vehicles like yours, see the latest trends, and different ideas.

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4. Hot Wheels are not just for collecting, they can be a great source for painting inspiration. Plus, you can use this as your excuse when your old lady starts clamoring on about how “you spend too much money on those toys.”

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5. Take a trip to your local car dealer and look at the new cars on the lot. OEM paint colors have become pretty cool and this is a good place to see them on sheetmetal in the sun.

6. Of course, magazines like the great Super Chevy will be a perfect place to look for designs and styles. We try and give you the best selection every month and, heck, you might even learn something while looking for a paint style.

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7. Check out your local cruise. This is another great source for information because the owners are usually never more that a few feet from their rides. You can talk about how much he paid and if he was happy with the work.

8. Go to an automotive swap meet. There should be a decent selection of paint and body materials and tools that you can pick up at a discounted rate. We would be a little leery about buying paint, but this is a great place to get things like masking tape and paper.

9. Visit your gearhead friends to get your creative juices flowing. Nothing will get your mind thinking more than a good bench racing session with a few buddies. Plus, if you come up with a hideous idea they will be there to put you in check.

10. Know your budget and don’t go too wild with your first paint job. The loftier the plans, the bigger your wallet needs to be. A light, single color is usually the cheapest route.

11. Tape out graphic designs on your car at home. Tape is cheap and it won’t damage your paint. Then you can step back and see if the design and scale of your work fits the car and or your taste.

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12. Trace/draw your own rendering. Take a picture of your car and print the picture on a sheet of paper, not photo paper. Then trace it with a felt tip pen that will bleed through the paper. Flip it over and you will have a coloring book-type outline of your ride that you can make a bunch of copies of. Now you can go wild. Heck, you can even give some blank drawings to friends and see what they come up with.